Storing valuable or sentimental jewelry items in a regular jewelry box is never a good idea. There are over 1 million home burglaries per year in the United States, and a standard jewelry box is all too easy to take.
Storing your valuables in a safe is a much better choice. Whether you just inherited your grandmother's ruby-studded brooch or purchased a diamond necklace at auction, putting items like this in a secure safe is the best way to protect them.🦺
You could use a traditional safe, of course, but when it comes to jewelry you may want to wear, a wall safe is better. Using a hidden wall safe takes up no extra space, keeps valuables easy to access, and keeps your treasures away from thieves and burglars.
If you're considering a jewelry wall safe, we can help. Below we'll cover the six best wall safes for your home. Then we'll discuss how to choose one that works for your space and provide some tips on installation and usage.🤩
Bottom line recommendation: Best jewelry wall safes
Here's a quick look at our top picks for jewelry wall safes.
The benefits of wall safes over freestanding safes
Although no safe is entirely foolproof, wall safes have a few significant advantages over traditional, freestanding safes:
- Wall safes are easier to access. They usually sit at chest height, whereas freestanding safes are traditionally on the ground. A wall safe is a better option if you don't want to crouch to get your valuables.
- Wall safes are easy to conceal. When you install one correctly, it will be flush with the wall. So, you can place them in the back of a pantry or closet. Alternatively, you can place a mirror or painting over them.🖼️
- Wall safes are usually easy to install. You can hire a contractor or other professional to help you put one in, but in many cases, installing a wall safe is also an approachable DIY project.
- Wall safes are typically affordable. Though it depends on the caliber of safe you need, wall safes rarely cost more than a few hundred dollars, and many are available for under one hundred dollars. Freestanding safes tend to be far pricier.
Six best wall safes for jewelry (2022)
Finding the right wall safe for your home can feel a bit overwhelming. There are several to choose from in a range of price points. Below we list our six favorites. All of them are secure but still relatively easy for you to access.
Paragon Digital Wall Safe 7700
The Paragon Digital Wall Safe 7700 is a solid option for an affordable wall safe. It features ⅛" thick alloy steel walls and powder coating to protect from external force, rust, and corrosion. It also has tamper-proof hinges that are resistant to crowbars.
This safe has a digital keypad lock as well as two backup keys. The digital lock does require batteries, of course. So we suggest you make sure to change them out at least once per year.
You can unlock this safe with a 3-8 digit combination which you program yourself. The safe will play a 20-second audible alarm if anyone incorrectly enters the combo three times. If they continue trying, after the 6th incorrect entry, the alarm will play for a full five minutes, hopefully alerting you or neighbors to a potential break-in.🔔
Unfortunately, there is no silent mode for keypad entry, so others in your home will likely know when you're accessing the safe. Unless, of course, you use the backup key instead of the combination.
The Paragon 7700 will fit in most North American homes. It measures 4" deep, and the can portion is 14.25" wide, which means it should fit perfectly between standard wood studs. At 20.25" tall, it's not the largest safe but does provide about .83 cubic feet of interior storage space.📋
The inside of the safe isn't anything special. There are two powder-coated steel shelves but no lining of any sort. For storing jewelry, you'll probably want to invest in a few organizational boxes to keep your pieces untangled and scratch-free.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Fits most North American homes
- Simple operation
Cons
- No silent entry mode
- No lining inside
Paragon Electronic Wall Safe 7750
The Paragon Electronic Wall Safe 7750 is similar to the 7700 with a slightly upgraded keypad and interior. Like the 7700, it's constructed of sturdy alloy steel with powder-coating to withstand rust and corrosion.
The tamper-proof hinges should keep a thief from using a crowbar or other tool to open it. And, it's nearly as affordable as the 7700.
The entire unit runs 4" deep, which gives you 3.75" of interior depth space, just like the Paragon 7700. It also features the same interior width and height, so you'll get the same .83 cubic feet of interior space.
The keypad on this one does look a bit more modern. It features an LED light for easy operation, but like the 7700, it opens using a 3-8 digit combination lock.
The Paragon 7750 doesn't have a silent entry mode, nor is the backup keyhole easy to locate. You have to use a screwdriver to remove the keypad if you need to use the backup key. This added step could be very inconvenient if you need to access the safe quickly and find that the keypad has a dead battery.
Inside, the 7750 has two removable, powder-coated steel shelves, which are nothing special when it comes to jewelry storage. However, the bottom of this safe features a padded carpet, which is better for protecting scratchable gems.✅
A safe like this is relatively easy to install yourself. That and its affordability make it a great wall safe option.
Pros
- LED-lit keypad
- Carpet padded base inside
- Easy-to-install
Cons
- No silent entry mode
- Backup key access requires a screwdriver
Langger Biometric Wall Safe
If you're looking for a biometric wall safe, the Langger Safe is a good pick. This safe opens by fingerprint, making it super secure. It also accepts an emergency PIN or backup keys if needed.
Made with 16 gauge carbon steel, this safe is hefty and can withstand most break-in attempts.💪🏻 A motorized deadbolt locking system helps to add security. It's nearly impossible for a burglar to pry a safe like this open.
On top of the extra secure entry and locking system, the Langger safe offers a silent mode, allowing you to access it without alerting the whole house.
Unfortunately, the Langger Biometric Wall Safe may not fit standard wood stud spacing. The chamber is 15.5" across, which is just over an inch too wide to fit between standard studs. It will work well if you have metal studs or are building a custom home. Otherwise, it might not be the best wall safe option.
Pros
- Super secure biometric or pin code entry
- Locking deadbolt system
- Has silent mode
Cons
- May be too large to fit between standard wood stud spacing
Viking Security Safe for Jewelry
For a biometric option that fits standard stud spacing, the Viking Security Safe is our top pick. This safe offers you the ability to program up to 32 fingerprints and provides an override pin and two spare keys.
It retains fingerprint memory even if the batteries die or are removed.👍🏻 So, once you program it, you're set forever!
The safe itself is incredibly secure, thanks to a motorized deadbolt locking mechanism and a reinforced steel strip along the hinges to prevent a thief from prying in. In addition, there's a silent entry mode and a warning beep if you accidentally leave the safe unlocked.
What's really nice is the carpeted interior with inner LED light. That makes it perfect for storing jewelry and other valuables. But, of course, the interior is on the small side at 13.5" wide, 18.5" tall, and a mere 3.5" deep.
And, if we were being picky, we would like to see a memory log so you could review entries. With 32 fingerprints possible, it'd be nice to identify when another family member entered the safe.
Pros
- Motorized deadbolt locking system with an anti-pry reinforcement strip
- Fully carpeted interior
- LED light inside
Cons
- Small storage capacity
BUYaSafe 8" Deep Wall Safe
If you have extra deep walls or are building a custom home, the BUYaSafe 8" deep wall safe is a great option. This safe offers tons of depth for more storage but still fits the width of standard stud spacing.
This product is also a good choice if you want a fireproof wall safe. It promises to keep the temperature inside low for at least 30 minutes. So, should a small fire break out, your valuables stand a chance at surviving the flames.
The BUYaSafe deep safe features dual live bolting locks for security and is constructed of sturdy alloy steel. It has a digital electronic lock with two backup override keys and a luxurious velvet interior with two removable shelves.👏🏻
Given that this is a deep wall safe, the manufacturer recommends hiring a professional for installation, and we agree. There are no included instructions for install when you purchase this safe, so unless you really know what you're doing, you're better off hiring someone to help.
Pros
- Fireproof
- Large storage capacity
- Velvet interior
Cons
- Requires professional installation
- Need extra deep walls
Protex Electronic Wall Safe
The Protex Electronic Wall Safe is a great all-around pick. It features a digital keypad with motorized, dual chrome dead bolting locks, making it very hard for a burglar to pry it open. The spring-loaded door is also handy. It literally pops open when you enter the correct code.
At 18.25" tall, 14.13" wide, and 3.88" deep, this safe will fit standard stud spacing and provide a decent .44 cubic feet of storage space. Inside, there are two removable shelves, and the lining is top-notch. High-end velvet covers every surface.
Both the keypad display and the safe's interior have LED lighting, so accessing this safe at night or in the dim light of your closet isn't a problem.
We wish it had a silent entry mode, but other than that, the Protex wall safe works well for secure jewelry storage.
Pros
- Spring-loaded door
- High-end velvet-lined interior
- LED light on the keypad and inside
Cons
- No silent entry mode
How to choose a jewelry wall safe? (Advice and things to consider)
Choosing wall safes for jewelry means considering a few things. First, you'll need to determine the safe dimensions your walls can accommodate.⚠️
Then, you can choose the size of your safe, the material you prefer, and the best locking mechanism for your lifestyle. You can also weigh additional features like the way the alarm function works and whether you need interior lighting or not.
Dimensions and internal structure of the wall
When installing a wall safe, you cut a hole in the drywall. Then you, or a contractor, will attach the safe between two wall studs. That means the safe's width cannot exceed the space between the wall studs in your home.
Some homes feature steel studs instead of traditional wood. If your home has steel studs, there might be more space between them, but that space can vary. You'll have to measure the distance using a stud finder before you choose a wall safe that fits.
Since most wall safes are designed with standard 16" stud spacing in mind, you may have to use spacers if your home features wider stud spacing. A wooden spacer attached to the stud on each side can narrow the space, allowing you to hang a typical wall safe.
Depth dimensions are also critical when considering a wall safe. If you purchase a safe that's too deep, it will either stick out of the wall or require you to cut through the back wall as well! Neither situation is ideal.
Of course, a safe that's 14.5" wide and only 3.5" deep can't hold very much. So, if you have the chance to custom-build your home, and you know you'll want a wall safe, it might be a good idea to create an extra deep wall. A contractor can help you create a deep wall, often up to 8".
Because you'll be bolting your wall safe to the interior wall studs, wall safes also need to be relatively lightweight. Most will weigh under fifty pounds. Anything more than that could cause damage to your home.
Size and capacity
Once you know the depth of the walls in your home and have measured the distance between the studs, finding a safe that's the right size should be relatively easy.😚
In most cases, your biggest consideration will be how much vertical space you need. There are small wall safes with just a shelf or two, and then there are extra tall wall safes that can hold much more.
We suggest gathering the items you plan to lock away, then you can decide how big of a safe you'll need.
Materials and quality
Most wall safes are made of steel. The gauge can vary greatly. Ideally, you'll want a safe that's between 10 and 18 gauge steel. That's thick enough to resist a burglar with a drill or other tools.
Of course, there are also several types of steel. Wall safes are usually alloy steel but can also be carbon steel.
Carbon steel is steel with added carbon in various amounts. Alloy steel has different added elements, like manganese or chromium. The added elements can change how the steel reacts when heated or placed under stress.
Though it depends on the element ratios, alloy steel is usually stronger than carbon steel. So, that's probably what you want in a safe. However, high-quality carbon steel is also a decent option, and it's unlikely that a burglar will be able to force their way into it.
The steel should have a powder coating to resist rust and corrosion.✍🏻 Many safes also have powder-coated steel interiors, but some feature higher-quality coverings inside, like velvet or carpet. When storing precious gems, a safe with a nicer interior might be a good idea to protect them from scratches.
Ideally, your wall safe will also feature internal or tamper-free hinges that make it difficult for a thief to get in. Many hinges are designed to resist crowbars and other threats.
As for fireproofing, most wall safes aren't fire safe. Fireproofing usually adds weight and bulk, making it hard to apply to a wall safe where the available width is already scarce.
In some cases, you'll find a wall safe with some fire protection, up to thirty minutes or so. You may want this if you're storing expensive costume jewelry or other metals that may melt. Thirty minutes of heat protection isn't very long, though. So, you may want a freestanding safe if fires are a major concern.
Locking mechanisms
Wall safes come with various locking mechanisms, and each has its pros and cons. There are key locks, combination locks, digital keypads, and biometric options.
Key locks are the most basic, and they can certainly work, but most want something a little more secure and less easy to pick. Plus, keeping track of a key isn't exactly convenient.
A combination lock is similar to what you had on your gym locker in school. It works by inputting a manual combination. These locks are secure and have the advantage of not requiring batteries.
Digital keypads are probably the most common wall safe lock. They usually require a battery and a code somewhere between 3 and 8 digits. If the battery dies, there should be a backup opening mechanism, usually a spare key.
For something more high-tech and extra secure, you might consider a biometric lock. Biometric locks rely on fingerprints or retina scans. Like the digital keypads, they rely on a battery and should have a backup opening mechanism in case the battery dies. They usually allow you to program multiple users as well.
Regardless of which type you pick, we suggest looking for one with multiple modes of entry.🎯 There should always be a backup key that you can store somewhere, like a safety deposit box. That way, if the electronic locking mechanism fails or you forget the code, you can still get in.
Ideally, the lock will also feature live locking deadbolts, which create a more secure closure than other options.
Alarms and additional features
Any decent wall safe for your home will have an alarm feature. Some go off after a certain number of incorrect entry attempts. Others will also go off when they sense vibration.
If a burglar is going to steal from a wall safe, they probably won't waste their time trying to pry in while it's in the wall. Instead, they'll cut around the drywall and take the entire safe. So, a safe with a vibration alarm provides the most security.
Some safes also feature digital memories which will record access attempts. Since burglaries are more likely to be committed by someone you know, digital memory of access attempts can be crucial.
Helpful tips about using a jewelry wall safe
Once you have a wall safe picked out, there are still a few things to consider, like how you'll install it and where.
Installation tips
If you're going to install your wall safe yourself, you'll need a stud finder to locate and measure the distance between your wall studs. Then, you should cut a small hole in the drywall first so you can ensure there's no wiring running through your preferred location.
Assuming the area is wire-free, you can cut the drywall to fit the frame of your safe. Then, you'll bolt the safe to the studs, and if needed, patch the drywall and paint.
Hiring a trustworthy installer
If you have deep walls or aren't comfortable with power tools, hiring a professional to install your safe for you is a good idea.
Most home contractors can do this for you but do your research first. This person will know where your safe is in your home, so you want someone who's bonded, background checked, and carries adequate insurance.
How to hide a wall safe
Most people hide their safe behind a portrait or painting. You can also use a mirror or other decoration.
Some choose to install their safe in a closet behind their clothes. And others decide to put it in the back of a pantry or other inconspicuous area.
Ensure that wherever you decide to place your safe, it's not in view of a window.⚠️ You don't want neighbors or passersby to be able to see when you open it.
Organization tips
Most wall safes don't come with the niceties of a jewelry box. There won't be hooks or small compartments for easy organization. That said, you can purchase organizing boxes on Amazon in the $10 to $20 range. These can help you keep your safe from looking cluttered.
When storing jewelry, it's best not to keep multiple chains together as they'll typically tangle. If you must save them together, use twist ties to separate them. And, always store rings and brooches separate from bracelets and necklaces.
Most jewels do well in an enclosed space like a wall safe, but you should probably avoid placing your pearls there. Pearls will develop small fractures in their surface when stored in a dry, enclosed space for too long. So if you're going to store pearls in a wall safe, make sure you take them out every so often.
Alternatives to jewelry wall safes
Wall safes are convenient and take up no space, but in some situations, you might want a different way to keep your jewels secure. Freestanding safes, floor safes, or a locking jewelry armoire are also options.
Freestanding safes
Freestanding safes have a few advantages over wall safes. First, they're more likely to be fireproof because adding bulk and weight isn't a concern.
They also usually have higher burglar ratings when tested by UL. So, if you're protecting several thousand or even millions worth of assets, a freestanding safe is probably better than a wall safe.
Freestanding safes can also come in any size. So, you can fit far more in them. Of course, you'll have to find space in your house for it to sit.
Of course, the downside to freestanding safes is that they're often large, obtrusive, and heavy. They're also typically difficult to access. If you plan to wear your jewelry regularly, a freestanding safe doesn't make as much sense.
Floor Safes
Some homeowners choose to install a floor safe to protect their jewelry and valuables. Floor safes are very discreet and unlikely to be seen by burglars. However, they're also not as simple to install, and they're usually not fire or water-proof.
Plus, they're not exactly easy to sort through. So, if you want to access your jewels on any sort of regular basis, a floor safe probably isn't the best option.
Locking jewelry armoires
A locking jewelry armoire has the benefit of keeping jewelry very organized, and it can deter some thieves. Most thieves, however, will simply take the entire armoire with them if they see it.
If you're trying to keep kids or roommates out of your jewelry, though, a locking armoire is the most convenient way to go.
Final Thoughts
Wall safes offer a convenient way to store your jewelry securely. They're easy-to-install, discreet, and simple for you to access. You won't have to crouch on the floor or head to the basement to fetch your diamonds.😝
With the right security features, they're also very safe. Tamper-free hinges, secure digital keypads, and deadbolt locks make wall safes a secure choice for storing jewels and gems.
Finding the best wall safe for your jewelry will depend on the stud spacing in your walls. You'll also want to consider overall capacity, as well as extra features you might want, like velvet interiors or LED lighting.
All of the safes on this list provide top-notch protection for your jewelry, but which one you pick will depend on what your home can accommodate and what you need in terms of storage space.